FROM THE EDITOR 



Island Gifts 



Jorth Carolinians, and the millions of visitors 

 to our beaches each year, already have received a pair 

 of wonderful presents this year. 



In October, two properties were dedicated as 

 preserves — available for nature walks and im- 

 promptu science lessons. They also provide homes for 

 important species and offer critical natural filtration of 

 our waters. 



In Brunswick County, a new coastal reserve on 

 Bird Island includes nearly 1,300 acres of beach, 

 marsh and wetlands used by several threatened or 

 endangered species, including Kemp's ridley and 

 loggerhead sea turtles, the piping plover, wood stork 

 and black skimmer. 



Located just off Sunset Beach, the island is the 

 10th site in the reserve program administered by the 

 N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM). The 

 $4.2 million needed for the acquisition came from the N.C. Clean Water 

 Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), Natural Heritage Trust Fund and 

 N.C. Department of Transportation. Learn about the state's National 

 Estuarine Research Reserve Program in Pam Smith's story on page 16. 



Along the state's central coast, Morehead City's annual Seafood 

 Festival drew tens of thousands to the city's waterfront. But, many visitors 

 may not have realized that they were just a stone's throw — well, maybe 

 farther than I can throw — from Sugar Loaf Island. Now, don't worry if 

 you didn't know the island's name. It has had several names since it was 

 created in the 1920s from dredge spoils. 



City officials worked with the N.C. Coastal Federation to obtain 

 funding from CWMTF and DCM to purchase the island. Eventually, they 

 will develop a nature trail with limited visitor facilities. 



The following poem was presented at the Sugar Loaf dedication. The 

 words are by Rodney Kemp — and Sandra Munns has set it to music. 



SUGAR LOAF ISLAND 



Enigmas, conundrums, questions, mystery 

 Have always been the basis of history 

 Tying down the Sugar Loaf name 

 Has not been an easy game. 



It 's tlie only name I ever knew 

 And I 've been here a year or two 

 But some folks say they can 't recall 

 It's ever having a name at all. 



It started out as just a lump 

 But grew and grew with every dump 

 Of black mud dredged — an ugly sight 

 'Til bleached by the sun to snowy white. 



At Christmas time the only white ground we 'd see 

 Was when we 'd get a tree 

 From Sugar Loaf — it was an attraction 

 As skiffs were poled in its direction. 

 Previous owners in history liave been connected 

 Dr. Ben Royal, Gordon C. Willis and Charles S. Wallace were respected 

 But Charlie North Bennett with his forward vision 

 Eventually led to tire town fathers ' decision. 



To name it a natural ground preserve 

 Is what the Morehead folks want and deserve 

 We spend this time in dedication 

 Of Sugar Loaf Island's resurrection. 



During dedication ceremonies, State Treasurer Richard Moore 

 recalled his childhood vacations to Atlantic Beach and the thrill of going to 

 restaurants on the Morehead City waterfront. 



His kids, he says, are getting the same view — and, so too, will future 

 generations. 



Katie Mosher, Managing Editor 



I N 



THIS 



ISSUE 



flocking ii am Caswi 



Contributing Writers: 

 Ann Green D Cynthia Henderson n Robin Sutton 

 Katie Mosher a Pam Smith D Jason Talley 



Contributing Photographers: 

 Ven Carver D Michael Halrninski 

 Herman Lankford D Ken Taylor D Scott D. Taylor 



North Carolina's diverse coast offers countless interesting subjects. 

 The large dots on the locator map indicate story settings in this issue - 

 including Camden, the Outer Banks, and Carteret County. 



